A new beginning: Ground broken on Canada’s first Indigenous Healing Centre

Northeastern B.C. residents are one step closer to having a new addictions treatment and recovery Centre open its doors in their community.A comprehensive, culturally safe approach to treatment and care will help clients on their path to healing according to the news release.

The North Wind Wellness Centre (NWWC) will be situated in Pouce Coupe at 5213 Hospital Rd, and will offer 55 spaces while combining traditional First Nations healing methods with clinical treatment to support individuals throughout their recovery journey.

“This groundbreaking marks a meaningful step forward in building a more inclusive and culturally safe health-care system,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The North Wind Wellness Centre will provide vital, comprehensive support for people on their healing journey, closer to home and community. It’s a powerful example of how we can work together to build services that are rooted in community and focused on wellness.”

The facility will include five detox beds, 10 treatment beds, 40 self-contained supportive housing units, and a central community hub called the Junction.

“With the generous support of our funders, the NWWC is proud to establish Canada’s first health and wellness centre, pioneering an innovative approach that unites the full continuum of care under one roof with the ARCH model,” said Isaac Hernandez, executive director, North Wind Wellness Centre. “This integrated model combines withdrawal management, addiction treatment, and assisted recovery housing, providing comprehensive support for individuals on their healing journey. The Northeast Junction, a peer-led central hub, connects all components, fostering a strong sense of community and holistic support.”

A comprehensive range of addiction recovery services will be provided by the NWWC under one roof, integrating detox, treatment, early recovery housing, and supportive housing through the Addictions Recovery Community Housing (ARCH) model.

This approach blends Indigenous healing traditions with Western medical practices and includes live-in treatment support, coordinated access, and ongoing post-recovery assistance.

“The North Wind Wellness Centre fills a critical need in the region and will allow people to get the care they need in a facility rooted in healing, culture and community,” said Colleen Nyce, Northern Health board chair. “Northern Health is proud to be a partner in this journey, supporting a model of care that is both innovative and deeply respectful of Indigenous traditions.”

This initiative is the result of a collaborative partnership involving the Province, the First Nations Health Authority, Northern Health, BC Housing, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the North Wind Wellness Centre Society. The Treaty 8 Tribal Association, Peace River Regional District and Village of Pouce Coupe have offered their support as well, the release adds.

“Treaty 8 Tribal Association has proudly supported NWWC, recognizing that having this facility is a crucial and vital step forward in addressing the needs of our communities,” said Marlene Roy, executive director, Treaty 8 Tribal Association. “As we continue to navigate this toxic drug crisis together, this facility will represent a shared commitment to resilience, support and healing.  Situated in Pouce Coupe, the centre will stand on the traditional, ancestral territory of the Treaty 8 First Nations, fostering healing and support for those in need.”

Created in collaboration with local First Nations and incorporating culturally meaningful architectural elements, the new 3,200-square-metre (35,000-square-foot) centre will deliver trauma-informed, culturally respectful care to individuals aged 19 and up.

“The new North Wind Wellness Centre brings hope to our region. Many families have suffered unendurable losses due to the toxic drug epidemic in our communities,” said Danielle Veach, mayor of Pouce Coupe. “This facility offers a second chance to those struggling with addiction, and reassurance to families that help is close to home.”